Pick a training method. Any training method and there will be one common theme through them all. Consistency. I train with alot of dogs and people (the people are the hardest) and always communicating with your dog in the same way makes everyone's job easier. Having the words mean the same thing each time along with the same results for following them or not following is paramount in working with your dog.

Let's take the command "Come" as an example. If I always want my dog to come when called then I have to always apply it the same way. I have to always make sure that it is pleasurable for my dog to come to me when called. That means if my dog is doing something that needs to be corrected then I will NEVER call my dog to me to correct. I will get up and go to my dog each and every time. If I call my dog, she is the best dog ever for doing it each and every time.

Consistency also mean we have to follow through with a command (that is why they are called commands and not suggestions) and having the same reaction to either compliance or disobedience. Cause and effect rules and as long as we are always giving our dog a consistent message on behavior then they will always give us consistent behavior.

Think through what you are doing with your dog if they keep giving you the same behavior. What are you doing right (for good behavior) and what are you doing wrong (continuing wrong behavior). Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results won't solve a problem. I work hard to give my dogs the same experiences for behavior. That doesn't mean the exact same treat, affection, etc every time but I make obedience a good experience for them every time. Whether that is with a treat, affection, free time, play time. Take your pick and mix it up. The consistency will be the fact it is a positive. With improper behavior, you can make that unnpleasant. That can be as simple as "you don't get your treat until you do what I need you to do". Unpleasant can mean many things.

Remember to be consistent with your dog and your dog will always be consistent with you. It is up to you to guide your dog in the behavior you want and ALWAYS re-enforce with positive AND negative feedback. That will make it simple for your dog to understand what is expected.

Greg Hollen
Indiana Working Dogs
317-888-1658